Former Springbok flanker Jean Deysel has retired from rugby with immediate effect.

Deysel has most recently been plying his trade for Irish club Ulster, having previously enjoyed stints with the Lions and Sharks, as well as short spells with Toyota Verblitz and Munster.

The 33-year-old earned four caps for the Boks, having last featured against Australia in 2011.

‘Looking back over the past 15 years, there were some highs, some lows, a good couple of laughs, and a few tears as well, but the thing that made the journey worthwhile is the people I met along the way,’ Deysel commented.

‘2018 will be the end of my rugby career, but also the start of a new journey off the field … We really enjoyed our time in Belfast and it will always be our home away from home.’

Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images/Getty Images